A woman, accused of driving under the influence of prescription medications, tragically collided with a group of bicyclists during a Make-a-Wish charity event in Michigan. This incident resulted in the loss of two lives and injuries to three others. Mandy Benn, aged 43, was found guilty of second-degree murder and operating a vehicle while impaired by a jury's verdict, with a potential life sentence looming.
In this unfortunate event, Benn veered across the center line while attempting to overtake a UPS truck during the charity ride, north of Grand Rapids, in June 2022. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes. One witness saw a body propelled through the air from her window. Timothy Kolanowski, who was also participating in the ride, described the moment of impact in court, realizing the need to call 911 due to the severity of injuries sustained.
At the crime scene, law enforcement observed Benn in a disoriented state. A detective, Phillip Hesche, recalled her unusual remark, "Wow, officer, that almost looks real," as if she were detached from reality. A judge during her preliminary hearing deemed her actions as a "wanton and willful disregard of life."
Despite her defense attorney's argument that she had taken only therapeutic amounts of medication, the consequences were devastating. The victims, Edward Erickson and Michael Salhaney, left behind grieving families and communities.
Erickson's memory is cherished through a fundraiser in his honor, intended to support his children's college education. He was known for his love of family, friends, and cycling, often riding thousands of miles to assist families in need through the Make-a-Wish foundation. His belief in the power of wishes to bring hope to sick children's lives was evident in his own words.
Salhaney, a father of seven, was a pillar of his community and home. His loss was deeply felt by those who knew him. Words could hardly capture the immense tragedy and pain experienced by the community and, most significantly, his family.
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